[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 36 (Friday, March 12, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE 189TH ANNIVERSARY OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE

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                               speech of

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 9, 2010

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, as a member of the 
Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Affairs, I am proud to congratulate 
the nation of Greece on its upcoming celebration of the 189th 
anniversary of independence. It's been one hundred and eighty-nine 
years since Greece obtained freedom from the oppressive Ottoman Empire.
  On March 25, 1821, the Greek people rose up against Ottoman 
oppression and declared their independence. The Greeks had been under 
occupied rule by the Ottoman Turks for over 400 years. After years of 
war and negotiations, Greece was finally recognized as an independent 
nation in 1832.
  As the birthplace of democracy, Greece has shared numerous self-
government efforts across the world, including here in the United 
States. America's Founding Fathers were inspired by the political 
experiences and philosophies of ancient Greece in writing our 
Constitution and founding our representative democracy. Today, Greece 
is again a thriving democracy and an example of self-determination for 
other nations.
  Greece has long been one of the United States' closest allies. Greece 
fought alongside America in every war of the 20th Century and continues 
to offer strong support in the current war on terrorism.
  I am honored to cosponsor H. Res. 1107 which recognizes the 189th 
anniversary of the independence of Greece and am pleased that this bill 
is being considered by the House of Representatives today.
  I would again like to congratulate Greece for celebrating such a 
momentous occasion. This anniversary is a time to remember the 
sacrifices of the past, to take pride in your nation, and to look ahead 
to a future of promise.

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